The CPI Dominance (Do) Scale measures an individual’s assertiveness, influence, and tendency to take charge in social and professional interactions. It provides insight into how individuals manage situations involving leadership, control, and decision-making. The scale is part of the California Psychological Inventory (CPI), a well-established tool for understanding personality characteristics that contribute to effective behavior in various contexts. Scores on the Dominance Scale can help identify key strengths and areas for growth, particularly in leadership, conflict resolution, and interpersonal dynamics. This scale is frequently used in leadership development and organizational coaching to identify strengths and developmental opportunities.
Features of the Dominance Scale
Purpose: Assess an individual’s assertiveness, influence, and tendency to take charge.
Length: Approximately 50 items
Average completion time: 5 minutes
Target population: High school age and older.
Administration: Designed for individual administration.
Validation: Demonstrated validity across diverse populations and contexts.
Uses of the Dominance Scale
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Persons scoring high on Dominance can be expected to be self-confident, ambitious, assertive, talkative, task-centered, outgoing, enterprising, and persuasive. Their dominance is primarily prosocial, in that they exert influence on others in pursuit of worthy and consensual social goals, not merely for self-aggrandizement and ego-fulfillment. Others recognize their leadership abilities and are willing to accept advice and direction from them. (p. 80)
-- From H.G. Gough & P. Bradley (1996), “CPI Manual Third Edition” (Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press)